Symbolism and gender relations in John Steinbeck's essay 'The Chrysanthemums'
Elisa Allen, the woman in John Steinbeck's short story "Chrysanthemums," is a lonely and depressed woman frustrated by her marriage, her sense of isolation from the world, and her repressed desires to explore her sexuality and create a fuller, more passionate to live life. As depicted throughout the story, the main problem remains. ~Steinbeck wrote ''The Chrysanthemums'' when the United States was just beginning to recover from the Great Depression. The depression began with the collapse of the New York stock market. The story “The Chrysanthemums” is deeply symbolic, as the flowers symbolize Elisa's femininity and self-identity. This association with her flowers ultimately leads to her downfall. Despite its depth, the story evokes empathy for Elisa and a longing for her future happiness. The chrysanthemums in Steinbeck's story are not only a crucial part of Elise's identity in society, but also symbolize the daily struggles women face. Just as a chrysanthemum needs nourishment, Elise fights for recognition and praise, and longs to be treated as an equal. However, she is often ignored and seen as insignificant.